Ontario students will not be required to wear masks this fall

Students in Ontario will not be required to wear a mask this fall, the Ministry of Education confirmed.

The ministry says masks will be available to students upon request, but usage will be voluntary.

On March 21, mask mandates ended in most settings in Ontario, including in schools.

Last month, the Ministry of Education launched a plan to help students catch up following two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan included an investment in education and getting back into school on time with “the full schools experience including extracurriculars like clubs, band and field trips.”

“The Plan to Catch Up is focused on helping students get back on track, learn life and job skills, and enjoy the full return of clubs, sports, and extra curriculars — critical for student physical and mental health. That starts with being in class, on time, with the full school experience coupled with historic mental health and tutoring supports,” said Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, in a statement. “Our government’s Plan to Catch Up is designed to keep students in safe classrooms without disruption, which is why we followed the expert advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, as kids return to class this September.”

Lecce also said the province is deploying over 100,000 standalone HEPA filter units to classrooms and learning spaces, enhanced cleaning and continued rapid antigen tests.

The province says around $26.6 billion is being invested into elementary and secondary education on Ontario for the 2022-2023 school year.